A fatal hit-and-run has Knoxville authorities pleading for public assistance after a pedestrian was killed by an SUV. The grim incident occurred earlier today, around 1:40 a.m., on Chapman Highway near the Henley Bridge, as reported by the Knoxville Police Department (KPD)

Authorities were called to the scene at Chapman Highway and Fort Avenue, where they discovered an adult male victim lying in the intersection. Despite being promptly transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, he was soon pronounced dead. A witness has come forward claiming to have seen the victim struck by a black SUV. The vehicle allegedly continued to drive south after the impact. Efforts to positively identify both suspect and vehicle have so far been fruitless, despite extensive attempts by officers to scour the area, according to KPD in a statement obtained by WBIR.

The identity of the deceased has not been released as officials are still in the process of notifying next of kin. As the investigation drags on, KPD is urging anyone with knowledge about the suspect to promptly reach out. Information can be shared anonymously with the East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers by calling 865-215-7165, as WATE reported. Tips can also be submitted online or through the mobile app P3 Tips, allowing individuals to possibly receive a cash reward while maintaining their anonymity.

With the perpetrator still at large, the KPD's appeal for public help continues to echo throughout the community. "The suspect vehicle has not been positively identified or located at this time," the KPD explained, as per WATE. The agony of uncertainty lingers, not just for answers to be found, but for justice to be swiftly served. The Knoxville Police Department's hotline for the investigation remains open, encouraging witnesses or those with information to step forward and help close a chapter that has left a community grappling with loss and the shadows of an unresolved crime